Contractions
Generalizing and Totalizing
Words and Phrases to Avoid
Miscellaneous Questions
100

What are four different contractions?

Ex: wouldn't, isn't, don't, can't

100

What is an alternative word for "always"?

Generally

100

What are four very basic transitions?


  • In conclusion 

  • In addition 

  • All and all 

  • Given the fact

100

Name six contractions that shouldn't be used in formal writing.

  • Don’t 

  • Can’t 

  • Won’t

  • Wouldn’t 

  • Doesn’t

  • Isn’t

200

Make this sentence better.

She doesn't enjoy running in the park, and won't run on a treadmill.

She does not enjoy running in the park, and will not run on a treadmill.

200

fill in the blank with one of the following phrases.

has caused/has contributed to

the number of cars on the road __________ global climate change.

has contributed to. This is because it doesn't completely blame cars for climate change, but shows that they are partly to blame.

200

What are some words/phrases in this sentence that you should avoid?

In the story, this quote proves that cars have caused climate change.


In the story

This quote proves

have caused

200

Why should you avoid intensifiers in academic writing?

Although they may seem to be helpful when emphasizing your claim or point, they are considered unnecessary in academic writing.

300

What does the underlined part replace?

They would not give up their spot in line.

wouldn't

300

what are three of the main words when totalizing a statement?

usually, generally, and rarely

300

Instead of using words like ___, ___, and ___, use words like generally and state things as a suggestion rather than as an order.

always, never, must

300

Why is it important to avoid certain words and phrases in formal writing?

It will make your claims come across as too strong in your writing when it is not appropriate. Although some of these words/phrases may be acceptable in everyday instances, they will come across as very informal and/or inappropriate when used in writing. Especially when writing an academic piece, it should always be written in a precisely proper and formal way.

400

What does the underlined part replace?

We should not go to this restaurant I heard it was bad.

We shouldn't go to this restaurant I heard it was bad.

400

When is the only exception?

If your results of a study consistently show up than it is considered acceptable to use always or never, as long as it is specified that it is in the scope of your study.

400

You shouldn't refer to your reader as, _, _, _, _, _, and _.

you, one, I, me, we, us.

400

When is it acceptable to use contractions in writing?

When writing in dialogue, it is considered to be more genuine.

500

When is it acceptable to use contractions?

In dialogue, to sound more genuine.

500

What are some words/phrases in this sentence that you should avoid?

In the story, it is shown that the air conditioner must be what's causing all of the noise. If that was figured out earlier, then one would of gotten it fixed sooner.

In the story

It is shown

must be

What's

If___, then ___

one

would of 

500

 Why is it improper to generalize/totalize words in academic writing?

It will make your claims come across as too strong in your writing when it is not appropriate.